Thursday, March 1, 2012

Charming Little Antoinette Prayer Bench (?)


The price tag read "Prayer Bench" and that alone was enough to grab my attention.  Upon further inspection, I concluded that it wasn't an antique...it wasn't even vintage "gasp!"  It did however have the most lovely lines and design.  It was solid and sturdy and it came home with me from the estate sale that Denise and I shopped last week.


It didn't take me long to decide that this would be the perfect first project for that Antoinette sample I had purchased from my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Stockist, Phyllis of A Purple Pear just last month.  I had been saving it for something special, and unique.  This little piece fit the bill.


Truth be told, I'm not completely convinced that this is a prayer bench at all.  I thought that prayer benches generally had cushions.  I guess you could lay a little pillow down on the first surface to save your knees. 


The space between the bottom and top steps is too deep for it to make a good step stool, but next to a comfy chair, it's the perfect height to set a stack of magazines and a cup of tea.  I am curious to know if anyone has seen a little bench/table like this one before.  Maybe you can fill me in on what it really is?


Hmmm...it looks awfully cute in our family room.  The color and style work perfectly with our decor.  Then again, it would be a lot of fun to work into a table top display at the shop.

Decisions...Decisions!


  To achieve this finish, I first applied one coat of Annie Sloan's Old White, followed by one coat of Antoinette.  I then distressed  the edges and sealed it up with both clear and dark waxes. 

Antoinette is such a beautiful pink and I love it straight out of the can, but I am looking forward to playing around a bit with some layering and mixing for a variety of different looks.

I wanted to respond to a question I recently had from a fellow blogger.  She had asked if I had any favorite chalk paint colors to recommend for a first purchase.  Personally, I would start by taking a look at the projects you are planning to tackle.  A piece of furniture may speak to you, and tell you exactly what color it desires.  Another great way to decide is by perusing Pinterest and project/decor blogs for pieces similar to yours in finishes that you are drawn to.  I have a pinterest board titled "Paint it Annie" where I have been collecting chalk paint inspiration from all over Blogland.  It has helped guide me in making my own ASCP purchases.  Once you've chosen a color, I would recommend also purchasing a quart of Old White.  You will be amazed at how many different looks you can achieve by mixing a color with Old White, dry brushing one on top of the other, layering and then distressing to allow one or the other to show through, or simply adding a bit of white or color to the finishing clear wax.


Last week I shared some projects that I had painted with a mix of Scandinavian Pink and Old White, including this vintage bread box. I had a couple of readers assume that I was using Antoinette.  Scandinavian Pink on it's own is a dark salmon color, bordering on orange. When I mixed it with a lot of Old White (about 4 parts to 1), I was able to get a lovely soft peachy pink color...very different from Antoinette. 

   
Antoinette is a gorgeous pink, slightly more lavender than peach. 
I adore them both!


It's the first day of March, and we have snow!  It's hard to believe that Spring is so near, but I am hopeful!  My mom surprised me with several of these beautiful little ruffly primroses last week.  As soon as the ground thaws, I will plant them in our front flower beds.  Until then, we are enjoying their cheerful, colorful little blooms on our front porch. 
Thank you, Mom!

I hope your week has been delightful!  Thank you so very much for your sweet visit! 
Have a lovely weekend!

Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda




Sharing with these fun linky parties:
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Fridays Unfolded at Stuff and Nonsense
Furniture Feature Friday with Miss Mustard Seed
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants